Princeton University recently published a study which established a link between water contamination and low birth weights. Many studies have found links between air pollution and premature birth, but this was the first study to look at water pollution. Premature birth can lead to lifelong problems, including cognitive issues.
This study looked at 488 water districts in New Jersey, and found that over a quarter of them had contamination violations that affected over 30,000 people.
The study found that expectant mothers who were consuming this contaminated water were generally younger, unmarried, less educated, and most often African-American or Hispanic. They also found that they were not very likely to move in response to contamination, meaning that they often do not have the financial resources to move to an area with better water.
Although residents are required to be notified if their water is found to be contaminated, many residents who rent their property do not receive these notices due to routing issues.
However, even if these residents were adequately notified, it does not help if they cannot afford to move elsewhere or buy bottled water. These women who are already struggling now have new issues to deal with if their child is born with physical and/or cognitive impairments. The government needs to find a long-term solution to this problem rather than leaving these people in a situation that they didn't ask for and they cannot control.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131008122906.htm
-L.J.
2 comments:
I think that this article it is very interesting. Everybody knows that premature birth exists, but for example me, I didn't think that contaminated water can cause it. We do not have to blame women for their births and ill children, we have to help them the way we can. The government also should make some regulations and clean up the waters. CC.
The connection between water pollution and premature birth is a new concept to me, as i have never imagined both to be linked together judging that i come from a third world country where access to clean water is limited to just some major city. No that this is being brought to light, women and the community at population at large need to be thought about the effect of bad water on the health of both mother and infant so as to raise awareness and also, alternative source/clean water should be provided to this people by the government as it is their responsibilities to see to the needs of those who got them into power.
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